Beale's Cut is the only
physical and cultural feature of its kind in the entire Los Angeles Basin. At
the time of its construction in 1862, the actual creation and maintenance of the
Cut was considered a significant technological and physical feat consisting of
breaching the former impassable geographic barrier of the San Gabriel and Santa
Susana Mountain ranges. General Edward F. Beale is attributed with the
construction of a toll road across the mountains. Beale's Cut was also used as a
favorite film-making location by pioneer film maker, David Wark Griffith, and
others.